Over 60% of Britain lives within hard water areas, water softeners safe. Because of limescale buildup, it is often necessary to descale kettles, coffee makers, or replace pipework.
What causes hard water?
Hard water is formed when the water supply contains high amounts of dissolved mineral, such as Calcium or Magnesium. After the water has been heated, the calcium ions and magnesium are separated from the water molecules. These are then attracted towards the sides of the kettle, coffee machine, creating the crusty white deposits that we call limescale.
Water Hardness: Problems for
The thickness of limescale on the heating element in kettles and coffee machines can cause a longer time to heat water. Therefore, more energy is needed to heat the same volume of water. This will save you money and allow you to enjoy hot beverages like tea or coffee without the limescale buildup.
The Answer!
There are many solutions that can be used.
Chemical Descalers are available in many different forms. These descalers are suitable for use in kettles. Nitric Acid can be injected directly into the irrigation system for agricultural or horticultural water users in hard water areas.
Water Softeners – contain an organic, resin-primed with sodiumions. The water flows through the softener and these are exchanged for calcium and magnesium ions. The resin is then automatically recharged with sodium ions. Because of the high salt content, this water can only used for washing and not cooking.
Electronic water conditioners are either wrap-around permanent magnets that emit magnetic fields or a coil wrapped around cold water feed pipes. The coil attaches to a box with electronics that emit different frequencies. Both of these systems ensure that the metalions remain in suspension and do not deposit on pipes or appliances.
EM Ceramics – A simple piece of ceramic has been processed using a special process. The ceramic piece that is produced has a strong impact on the water metal ions. It prevents them from forming mineral clusters by heating the material. The EM Ceramic is capable of affecting existing limescale deposits and causing their gradual dissolution.
Preventing Limescale Formation
Pipework, appliances, boilers and other equipment will last longer
Reduces energy costs
Reduces amount detergents required
Tap water flavour enhancement (Doesn’t apply to Water Softeners).